When I first saw the oldest photograph of the Kaaba, I noticed something strange. There were two domes standing in the courtyard that I had never seen before. This picture from 1880 made me curious. Where did these structures go? What were they used for? I spent hours researching and found an amazing story. These domes served pilgrims for centuries. Today, most people have no idea they ever existed. Let me share what I discovered about these forgotten pieces of Islamic history.
When Makkah's Skyline Looked Completely Different
The oldest photograph of the Kaaba was taken in 1880 by Muhammad Sadiq Bey. He was a Turkish military officer who came to Hijaz on a mission. He brought a camera with him, even though it was not part of his official work. Thank Allah he did. His pictures show us how Makkah looked over 140 years ago. In this famous photo, we can see two dome structures near the Kaaba. The dome on the left was called Qubbat al-Abbas. Ibrahim Rifat Pasha described it in his book Mirror of the Two Holy Mosques. Under this dome, there was a pool for storing Zamzam water. A small canal connected it to the Zamzam well. Pilgrims would come here to drink the blessed water. That is why people also called this building Al-Asqaya, which means the watering place. The dome on the right was called Qubbat Farashin. Some called it Al-Assa. The word Farashin refers to the caretakers of the Haram. This dome had a time keeping device inside. People used it to know the correct times for prayer. Some believe it was a sundial, but we cannot confirm this. These structures also appear in 17th century European illustrations. Artists like Andreas Panas drew panoramic views of Makkah. Of course, these drawings were not perfectly accurate. Most were based on written descriptions, not actual visits.
Why Two Domes Changed Pilgrimage Forever
These two domes remind us how the Haram has changed over time. For centuries, they served important purposes. One gave water to thirsty pilgrims. The other helped people pray on time. Both were acts of worship in their own way. Today, we have modern systems for water distribution. We have clocks and apps for prayer times. But back then, these simple structures solved big problems. They show us the creativity of our ancestors. Muslims have always found ways to serve those who visit the House of Allah. When I look at old photos of Makkah, I feel a deep connection. The buildings have changed. The technology has improved. But the love for this sacred place remains the same. Every generation has added something to make pilgrimage easier. These domes were part of that long tradition of service and care.
Did You Know? The 1880 photograph by Muhammad Sadiq Bey is considered the oldest surviving photograph of the Kaaba. He was not supposed to bring a camera on his military mission, but his curiosity gave us this priceless piece of history.
Tracing the Domes Through Old Photos
Today you will not find these domes in Masjid al-Haram. They were removed during expansion projects. But you can still see the Zamzam well area in its new location. The old photographs are displayed in some museums. If you visit Makkah, take a moment to imagine how it looked 140 years ago. The courtyard was smaller. The buildings were different. But the Kaaba stood exactly where it stands today. Some things never change.